Businesses and individuals working within the tourism and events industry in the Highlands have received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards.
Around 400 guests attended the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Glasgow Hilton on December 1, which celebrate the very best of tourism in Scotland and the excellence, collaboration and innovation that is helping to support the responsible growth of the industry.
Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye was named the winner of the Best Eating Experience award. This category recognises restaurants and eateries that provide an exceptional customer experience and a warm Scottish welcome with a quality food and drink offering, promoting local Scottish produce.
Edinbane Lodge is a four AA Rosette-awarded restaurant with rooms that was once a derelict 16th-century hunting lodge. Bought by Calum Montgomery in 2017, the 30-seater restaurant opened in August 2018.
Judges praised Edinbane Lodge for their exceptional customer experience through the use of “quality local products, focus on a relaxed dining environment, multi-lingual staff and 4-day working week for staff”. They also praised Edinbane for their investment in sustainability and strong focus on local produce.
On receiving the award, chef patron Calum Montgomery said: “I’m absolutely delighted and overwhelmed to have won ‘Best Eating Experience’ in the finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards. It’s an honour to showcase the stunning produce across our natural larder on the Isle of Skye and I’m just so proud that Edinbane Lodge has been acknowledged in this way and I’d like to thank our wonderful team and suppliers of the best ingredients in the world.”
The evening was hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and broadcaster Gary Innes with entertainment by Cammy Barnes.